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I am interested in the evolution and ecology of plant-animal-microbe interactions, including parasitism and mutualisms. My dissertation research focused on bees and their interactions with dietary host plants, pathogens (primarily Crithidia bombi), and gut bacteria. Pollinators are also essential for ecosystem health, but many species are experiencing population declines. I hope my research improves our understanding of factors that influence bee health as well as supports sustainable food production and the livelihoods of farmers.
Diet, Immunity, & Gut Microbes
For my dissertation, I tested whether pollen diet impacts parasite infection in bees by altering the immune system and gut microbiome. Pollen from sunflowers and goldenrod (Family: Asteraceae) reduces a detrimental gut pathogen in bumble bees (Giacomini et al., 2018, LoCascio et al., 2019). In collaboration with the Sadd Lab, I investigated how a sunflower pollen diet impacts the bumble bee immune system as a potential mechanism of the reduced infection. We found that consuming sunflower pollen did not significantly affect activity of the immune enzyme phenoloxidase or hemolymph antibacterial activity. You can read more in Fowler et al., 2022, Philosophical Transactions B.